LOUDONVILLE, NY – Despite a strong defensive effort, a slow start offensively hampered the Siena Saints on Friday evening, as the Green and Gold fell to the Hofstra Pride 57-50 in the Alumni Recreation Center to wrap-up their non-conference slate this season.

Siena shot 29.8 percent from the floor in the game, including 18.2 percent (4-for 22) from behind the three-point arc. Hofstra shot 46.7 percent from the field, and 41.7 percent from deep. The Saints also struggled from the free throw line, converting only 57.1 percent (12-for-21) from the charity stripe.

The Saints were led by junior Maddie Sims, who recorded her fourth double-double of the season and her second in as many games. Sims collected 10 points and 10 rebounds to lead Siena, as she also tied the team lead in assists with two. Redshirt senior Joella Gibson put up six points and seven rebounds, while Sabrina Piper chipped in with seven points, six rebounds, and a career-high four blocks. Redshirt senior Aaliyah Jones also provided the Green and Gold eight points and five rebounds.

For Hofstra, leading all scorers on the night was Boogie Brozoski, as she went 8-for-14 from the floor for 20 points and three assists. Ana Hernandez Gil also put up an all-around solid game for the Pride, notching 11 points, six assists, five rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Mikiyah Croskey added eight points going a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor.

It would be a rough start in the first quarter for Siena, as the Pride held a 17-6 lead after the first 10 minutes. With baskets from only Jones and freshman Hanna Strawn, the Saints needed some momentum on offense. They got it in the second quarter, as multiple scorers for involved and were able to cut the Hofstra lead to single digits, 26-17, going into halftime.

Siena stuck around in the third quarter, keeping within striking distance through most of the quarter. Over a two minute span, the Saints made three of four shots from the field to cut the lead to five points. But Hofstra always had an answer, and would lead by eight going into the fourth quarter.

The Saints would turn it on in the fourth quarter, as a three-pointer by Piper cut the lead to four points with 6:05 to play in regulation. After a made basket from Hofstra, Piper would hit Sims on a fast break layup to bring it back to four points with 3:26 to play. Siena would get a defensive stop, leading to Piper once again hitting a big jumper to bring the defecit to two points.

Hernandez Gil would knock down a shot from behind the arc to bring it back to five, but Joella Gibson had a response, hitting her own three to once again bring Siena within a pair. But Hofstra answered right back, as Brozoski hit a three-pointer to bring the lead back to five, and Siena ran out of makes down the stretch as Hofstra held on.

Siena capitalized on points off turnovers, outscoring the Pride in that department 15-12, while also converting second chance points 7-3 over Hofstra as well.

The Saints return to the hardwood after the new year on Fri, Jan. 4 when they head to Saint Peter's to open up MAAC play. Tip-off with the Peacocks is slated for 7 p.m.